Born in Artesia, CA, on September 16, 1948, Carole grew up in Long Beach, graduating from Long Beach Polytechnic High School and from Long Beach City College as a Registered Nurse. She worked many years for Children’s Memorial Hospital, where she loved the NICU most, before moving to school nursing with Head Start. But her favorite job titles were always “Mom”, “Grammy”, and “Sister”.
A long-time active member of Westside Christian Church and of Long Beach First Christian Church in Southern California, Carole was well-known for her musical talents as a soloist, duettist, and choir member, along with her gifts as a children’s Sunday School teacher for many years.
Carole was also a long-time member of the Girl Scouts, both as an adolescent and as troop mom, and earned the organization’s highest award: The Curved Bar.
Carole and husband Richard spent their retirement years in Oregon, enjoying much traveling (visiting all 50 states), working in their beautiful yard, as well as being “mom” to several Maine Coon cats and “Grammy A” to the lights of her life – nine grandchildren and three great-grands. She was also a very active member at Salem First Christian Church with music, teaching, and helping with special events.
She was preceded in death by parents William Patten and Margaret Applegate Patten, as well as her dear husband of 51 years, Richard Adams. Siblings Bill Patten, Joan Behen, and twin brother Carl Patten also preceded her in death, along with step-daughter Deborah Adams and infant grandson Thomas Adams.
Carole is survived by daughter Gina Reynolds (Andy) of Blountville, TN, son John Adams (Leah) of Lancaster, CA, and step-son Gary Adams (Leesa) of Las Vegas, NV. She also leaves a legacy of incredible grandchildren – William, Abigail, Margaret, and Philip Adams, Nicole Curry (Josh), and Amanda, Matthew (Jenn), Kellie, and Ryan Adams – as well as special great-grandchildren Oliver Adams, and Johnathan and Brooklyn Curry.
The family wishes to extend special thanks to the staffs at The Waters of Bristol and at Bristol Regional Medical Center for the care provided to Mom the past many months.
Graveside service and inurnment will be held Friday, October 16, at 5pm in Mountain City, TN at Sunset Memorial Park, with Dr. Bill Greer officiating.
In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made in Carole’s memory to Isaiah 117 House, helping to change the way foster care begins for a child.
East Lawn Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Carole Adams.
